The Underground Railroad was a long and dangerous network that gave American slaves passage to northern "free" states, Canada, and Mexico. Alexander Hannah, the original owner of the Hannah House, was one of the abolitionists on this route that provided temporary shelter and food. Legend has it that one night while a group of "passengers" were sleeping in the basement of the Hannah House, an oil lamp they were supplied with caught the straw covered basement floor on fire. The entire group perished in the fire. To protect the identity of the slaves, his family, and the Underground Railroad, he buried them where they died - in his basement.

Located at 3801 Madison Avenue, The Historic Hannah House was built in 1858. Though not technically a bed & breakfast, this National Register of Historic Places gem has so much paranormal buzz from its presumed Underground Railroad status that you can partake in the "Hannah House Experience," an overnight paranormal investigation. These can be guided or private and include a complimentary paranormal investigator's dinner of pizza and drinks. It was also the site of the 5th Annual Paranormal Meet and Greet, which included speakers from A&E's "Paranormal State: The New Class" and several paranormal researchers and authors.

During the day, this property is used for a variety of activities including weddings, banquets, Civil War Re-enactments, Easter egg hunts, private parties and corporate functions. For a small admission fee, you can attend one of the open house tours where you can learn about the history. Visit the Hannah House site to book your paranormal stay or open house visit.

In one of the six Cultural Districts, Fountain Square, is the The Fountainview Inn. It's located in the Fountain Square Theatre Building, and features antique, classic, or contemporary style suites. It was built in 1928 and was originally a motion picture and vaudeville theatre at the height of its time. Later it served as space for various stores.

Fountain Square was the first of Indiana's urban Main Street projects. Its buildings have been in development since 1871 and have become an important part of the city's theater culture. The theater is now used as a courtyard-themed banquet hall for larger functions like weddings, reunions, dances, and concerts. Original stained glass windows and plaster ornamental reliefs along with columned arches and the stage still remain through the renovations.

Other places located around the Fountain Square Theatre Building include the Imbibe Lobby Bar, End of the Line Public House, Smokehouse on Shelby, Duckpin Bowling, and a conference center. Duckpin Bowling, a variation of 10-pin bowling, originated in 1900 on the east coast. Only two locations exist outside of the east coast, one of which is at Fountain Square.

The Fountainview Inn is a great place to stay if you plan on spending much of your time downtown. It shares the same district as the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art, Murphy Art Center, Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, and many other art and theater centers. The Fountain Square District website lists over 25 artists being represented in this area as well. This is definitely a place to consider if you want to tour some of the local art scene.

Another Cultural District bed & breakfast is the Nestle Inn in Mass Ave. Everything in Mass Ave is within walking distance, including the Indianapolis City Market, Chatterbox Jazz Club, and Theatre on the Square. Nearby is the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and The Canal & White River State Park district, which contains the major historic museums and monuments.

The Nestle Inn was built in 1896 and has since been renovated for modern living without losing its charm. It was built to combine two homes to house both families of the original owners, Jonathon and Alice Stewart. You can find inlaid hardwood floors and woodwork, carved staircases, and stained glass windows from days long past as you make your way to the cozy library, complete with bookcase ladder and fireplace.

Those who stay at the Nestle Inn have the opportunity to take cooking classes from the Nestle Inn chefs. Some of the sold out classes include pies, everything chocolate, and knife skills. An extra special treat is Tavola di Tosa, a restaurant that was based in Broad Ripple that has since closed. Original owner and chef, Tony Hanslits, brought back some of the favorites of Tavola di Tosa's menu in an exclusive, twelve-seat dining experience.

You don't have to be a guest at the Nestle Inn to make reservations, which can make getting in quite the trouble, but those lucky enough to dine at Tavola di Tosa can join the chef in the kitchen while he prepares your multi-course meal.

Another downtown place to stay is the Old Northside Bed & Breakfast in the historic Old Northside residential area, located only a block away from the Harrison Center for the Arts. Other points of interests nearby are the President Benjamin Harrison Home, Morris Butler House, Monument Circle, Circle Centre, RCA Dome, and the Conseco Fieldhouse. Not only are you within walking distance of historic treasures, you can stay in one as it's also on the National Register of Historic Places as the DeWenter-Greenen House.

The DeWenter-Greenen House, a Romanesque Revival style structure, was built in 1885 by Herman C. DeWenter, an industrialist. It has since been renovated by imported European craftsmen to restore characteristics like the sculptured ceiling and hand painted murals. It also retains its original maple slat floors and hand-carved cherry and mahogany woodwork.

Though modernized with internet access and cable TV, it still keeps its Old World charm with the warm woodwork, ornate rugs, and draperies. The suites are themed with attention to detail, down to the smallest accent. When you aren't snuggling up in the suites, you can mingle in the music room, the snack bar, the living room, and the outdoor patio. There is a lot to take in with the sculptural woodwork, paintings, and murals just in this rest stop along your journey in Indianapolis.